Engineering Financial Outcomes - The Rational Reminder Podcast Recap

Podcast: The Rational Reminder Podcast

Published: 2026-01-22

Duration: 1 hr 15 min

Summary

In this episode, Benjamin Felix and Brayden Warwick explore the intersection of engineering and financial planning, emphasizing the importance of using technology to create better financial outcomes for clients. They discuss the challenges and opportunities within the financial services industry, particularly regarding the deployment of advanced planning software.

What Happened

In episode 393 of The Rational Reminder Podcast, hosts Benjamin Felix and Brayden Warwick dive deep into the concept of engineering financial outcomes. Brayden returns to the show after previous guest appearances, spurred by popular demand and his impressive insights from his work at PWL Capital. The discussion begins with an overview of a live webinar scheduled for February 12th, focusing on retirement needs in Canada, highlighting PWL's commitment to educating their audience on financial planning topics.

The conversation transitions to Brayden's journey at PWL, where he transitioned from academic programming to applying his skills in the financial planning sector. He shares how he has learned to build applications that solve complex financial problems and has taken on the leadership role in deploying Conquest Planning, a leading financial planning software in Canada. Brayden reflects on the differences between engineering solutions in academia versus creating user-friendly software for financial planners, emphasizing the challenges of training advisors who may have varying levels of experience in the financial services industry. He highlights the ongoing tension within the industry regarding the balance between accessibility for new entrants and maintaining professional standards.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What is Conquest Planning and its significance?

Conquest Planning is described as industry-leading financial planning software that Brayden Warwick has been deploying at PWL. It represents a significant tool in improving client outcomes by allowing financial planners to create detailed financial plans. Brayden's experience with Conquest has allowed him to engage with industry peers and understand the software's application across various institutions.

How does Brayden's background influence his work at PWL?

Brayden Warwick joined PWL Capital with a background in academia, specifically teaching programming courses. This experience provided him with a solid foundation in coding, which he initially applied to solve engineering problems. The transition to building user-friendly financial planning software has been a learning curve, emphasizing the importance of creating solutions that can be easily used by financial advisors.

What challenges do financial advisors face when adopting new software?

Brayden notes the challenges of training financial planners on new software like Conquest, particularly when some advisors have decades of experience while others may be new to the industry. This disparity can complicate training efforts, as those with less experience may struggle to grasp advanced features. The tension between accommodating new entrants and maintaining professional standards is a recurring issue in the financial services sector.

What lessons did Brayden learn from industry peers during the deployment of Conquest?

During his deployment of Conquest Planning, Brayden had the opportunity to connect with peers from larger institutions who faced significant challenges in training their advisors. He found it eye-opening to hear firsthand accounts of difficulties in onboarding experienced planners alongside complete newcomers, illustrating the varied landscape of the financial services industry and the importance of adapting training methods.

What is the future of financial planning software according to the podcast?

The podcast suggests that the future of financial planning software will depend on shifting consumer preferences towards more comprehensive and rigorous financial analysis. As the industry evolves, there is a need for software that facilitates in-depth planning rather than just product sales. This shift could lead to a stronger demand for high-quality planning solutions and a reevaluation of how financial services are delivered.